WITH scores of entries, picking the winners of the Petersfield Sewing Bee competition was “devilishly difficult,” for the craft celebrity judging it.

Wendy Gardiner has edited sewing magazines, written books about the craft, and appears on TV shows promoting, and offering advice on, sewing.

Wendy, from Waterlooville, said: “"Without exception the entries were so good, it made picking out winners devilishly difficult – the sewing bee wasn’t just a challenge for the entrants, it was one for me too."

With more 60 adult and child entrants, the response to the competition was “fabulous”, say hosts of the event.

Steve Watts of Sew Creative in Lavant Street said: “Petersfield sewers had three challenges to complete; a fabric "fat quarter" challenge, a tote bag up-cycling challenge and a pattern making challenge.”

The winner of the Sewing Bee 2017 was, Heidi Robinson, while Grace Anelay (under 16s) was crowned Princess Bee 2017, both from Petersfield.

Mr Watts added: “There were also several individual challenge winners including Matt Ralph who is registered partially sighted.

“The Bees were presented with trophies, and vouchers for Sew Creative, and got a sewing goodie bag.”